[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE ETZ CHAIM CENTER ON THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2014

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of The Etz 
Chaim Center on the occasion of their anniversary this June, marking 25 
years of providing quality Jewish education from a spiritual 
perspective to the Delaware Valley. Etz Chaim is a welcoming, non-
judgmental organization dedicated to bringing the beauty and depth of 
Judaism to the contemporary Jew. Through a diverse menu of educational 
and spiritually-focused programs, Jews of all backgrounds are able to 
grow and connect more passionately with their heritage. Based in Elkins 
Park, Pennsylvania, in my Congressional district, Etz Chaim provides 
programming for Jews and families in Montgomery County and the 
Philadelphia area.
   Etz Chaim was founded in 1988 by Rabbi Dovid Wachs and Rabbi Moshe 
Ungar in Northeast Philadelphia. Since then, both their space and their 
programs have grown. Etz Chaim's new headquarters in Elkins Park opened 
in 2012, allowing them to expand their numerous class, forum, and event 
offerings, providing hundreds of educational and spiritual programs for 
the community. Each year, Etz Chaim reaches almost 1,000 people, from 
community based events attended by many, to one on one learning 
sessions for individuals looking to advance their personal growth.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 
25th anniversary of Etz Chaim and all of their success in supporting 
the Jewish community in Pennsylvania.

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